Social Care
Putting people first
Both national and local government must seize opportunities to build new partnerships that tackle social challenges in a way that works for everyone by putting people first, writes Steve Reed.
‘Unacceptable’ changes sees LGA withdraw support for guidance
The Local Government Association (LGA) has withdrawn its support from the Better Care Fund (BCF) planning requirements – the latest indication of deteriorating relations between the two sectors.
Anger at U-turn over control of social care cash
Council chiefs have pushed back at ministers’ last-minute decision to exert control over how the £2bn cash boost for social care should be spent.
Spielman heralds new relationship with ADCS
Ofsted’s chief inspector has said she wants to ‘strengthen the relationship’ between her organisation and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS).
Gwynne: Stop talking down councils and councillors
Local authorities need to be given back decision-making powers, the shadow communities secretary has said.
A grand plan for the future of care
With social care firmly on the political agenda, Patrick O’Brien looks at the latest Localis report on joining up health and social care.
A bleak snapshot of social care
Sam Clayden analyses the findings of this year’s ADASS budget survey, which uncovers troubling trends for a sector already stretched to its limits.
Directors’ dismay over Hunt’s bed-blocking funding threats
Adult social care directors have been left ‘very disappointed’ after the Government threatened to take away funding from areas that failed to reduce bed-blocking.
‘Person-centred’ system should be health care integration’s goal
The health and social care integration agenda should be used to create a more person-centred care system, a report by think-tank Localis has argued.
Adult social care spend expected to rise by 8.6%
Spending on adult social care in 2017/18 is expected to be £1.2bn higher than the year before, statistics compiled by the Government have revealed.
Care directors 'disappointed' by funding threat
Adult social care directors have been left ‘very disappointed’ after the Government threatened to take away funding from areas that failed to reduce bed blocking.
Simmonds beats Carter to lead LGA Tories
Hillingdon LBC’s deputy leader has seen off competition from the County Councils’ Network’s chairman to be named leader of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Conservative group.
Brokering constructive conversations
Co-production and engaging with residents can help implement new models of care, at a time when the issues are at their most ‘wicked’, writes Ewan King.
Salford’s successful healthcare transition
Salford’s Integrated Care Organisation, now a year old, is blazing a trail for future health and care systems, not just for the council, its local partners and Greater Manchester, but for the country as a whole. Sam Clayden reports.
Tensions rise as NHS fines 22 councils for bed-blocking
The NHS has fined at least 22 councils for bed-blocking and threatened 11 others with charges amid escalating tensions between health and care.
Integration hesitation is harming patients
A reluctance on the part of some council bosses to progress health and care integration talks is depriving patients of the best treatment, a Greater Manchester council chief has warned.
Whitehall to publish report on children’s mental health
A green paper on children and young people’s mental health will be published by the Government.
Where next for local government financial reform?
With the falling of the Local Government Finance Bill, the IFS's David Phillips assesses where this leaves reforms to the sector's finance system.
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.